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Microsoft have unveiled Windows 8.1 and have pledged for a 'rapid release' schedule.

Windows 8.1 was unveiled to developers on Wednesday and promises to deliver a 'rapid release' schedule to keep the pace of new innovations down the timeline.

The key features announced for Windows 8.1 was the confirmed reworking of the Start menu back into the Windows desktop, new bookt-to-Desktop options, as well as a large list of updated apps to take advantages of new performance tweaks Windows 8.1 aims to provide.

For Microsoft, the Build 2013 developer conference represents a chance to connect or reconnect with developers, luring them back to the Windows platform. Microsoft is nearing the 100,000 Windows 8 apps mark, it still falls short of the millions of apps that have been written for the Apple iOS and Google Android platforms.

The Maps app in Windows 8, that is powered by Bing, is to get 3D imagery when it becomes available in the fall. Microsoft gave a demo showing the Flyover-tape renderings with the new Bing maps providing a high level of depth that is already provided by services such as Google and Apple. Although, the app will be absent from Windows 8.1 - we hope to see this released as a baseline for Windows Blue.

In connection with this, Microsoft launched the Bing Platform for developers. This allows app developers to create experiences in their apps based around Bing's services e.g. geolocation API's, real-time translation API's directly built into the Windows 8 apps. Although it is only an initial release, it is a promising move forward to promote the development of apps for the Windows 8 Store - though, will they ever catch up to the developer API's provided by Google?

What are your thoughts on Windows 8? You can get in touch with us by mentioning #ALJTMedia on Twitter, leaving a comment on our Facebook, Google+ or LinkedIn page, or writing a comment below.

About the Author

From the small, to the large, Lewis has tackled and developed a vast selection of projects since he started developing over 8 years ago. Lewis has the ability to program in over 25 languages from the well-known; PHP, Java, C and Objective-C to the less well-known; RDFa, Sparql and Maude. For any queries regarding the realisation and development of your project, Lewis will be your primary contact. Outside of work, Lewis has a passion for films, music and he’s also a bit of a Disney geek.